June 23 – 26, 2020: We came across Highway 145 and over Lizard Pass and camped for 4 nights at Echo Basin RV Park, just north of Mancos, CO. It was a spectacular campground about 5 miles from any busy road. From there we were able to drive over to Delores with the idea of visiting the Anasazi Heritage Center, which was closed due to Covid. We continued through the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument to Hovenweep National Monument (UT) for a wander through some of the many Ancient Pueblo communities that inhabited this area from 750 – 1300 A.D. This area borders the northern edge of the Ute Reservation right on the SW corner of CO.

We also spent a day at Mesa Verde National Park, which was mostly closed due to fire danger. They wanted visitors to get no further than 30 minutes from the road so that they could evacuate folks if needed.

Thankfully, we have found that while the Visitor Centers of the National Monuments, Parks and Centers are closed, there are maps and brochures as well as little Passport stamps on slips of paper provided. The National Parks usually have a ranger sitting outside manning the visitor center parking lot answering questions.

We also had a great visit with my cousin, Bonnie Simons, and her husband, Ed, but alas, I forgot to take a photo. If there is no photo to post, does it mean it actually happened?

Wednesday, June 24th: Canyon of the Ancients National Monument & Hovenweep National Monument , constructed from A.D. 1230 – 1275.

Friday, June 26: We have visited Mesa Verde NP twice before and have gotten to take the tours to Cliff Palace and Balcony House as well as visit the museums, so we were not all that disappointed that these areas were closed due to Covid. We were disappointed that Wetherhill Mesa and most of the hiking was closed due to extreme fire danger. That being said, it was pretty darn quiet …

We stopped at Spruce Tree House to see the ruins and hike the Petroglyph Trail, which was partially closed. The parking lot was basically empty. No bus tours and very few people. Rather refreshing! Then we took the Mesa Top Loop drive where we saw the transition from ancient pit houses to the Cliff Palace.